A big one at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on Match Day 33 in the Bundesliga as eighth placed Stuttgart welcome fourth placed Hoffenheim to town.

These two are right towards the top of the tree in terms of second half of the season form. Both Stuttgart and Hoffenheim have lost just one of their last 12.

For Tayfun Korkut's Stuttgart side it is Europa League qualification which is the aim. Their recent hot-streak has now taken them to within two points of stuttering Leipzig who currently occupy sixth position.

Hoffenheim have loftier ambitions. Currently in fourth and therefore in the Champions League as it stands, they can't afford any slip-ups with Bayer Leverkusen breathing down their necks, just one point adrift in fifth spot.

With Carlos Mané and Andreas Beck the only absentees, Stuttgart should be close to full strength for this big game.

Hoffenheim aren't so fortunate, with key midfielders Karem Demirbay and Dennis Geiger both injured. With right winger Pavel Kaderábek suspended, Julian Nagelsmann will again be forced to improvise in the middle of the park.

Stuttgart are a far from prolific side, but they do know how to grind out a win and have conceded a Bundesliga low of only nine goals at home this season. Hard to break down at the best of times, Hoffenheim may find it that bit tougher given their injury woes. Take the home side for a narrow but important win.

Santiago Ascacibar was sent off for two bookable offences for Stuttgart, who also had Timo Baumgartl, Christian Gentner, Ron-Robert Zieler and Dennis Aogo shown the yellow card. Kevin Akpoguma was the only Hoffenheim player to have his name taken.

Thoroughly out passed and outshot and finishing the game with only ten men, it is something of a miracle that Stuttgart managed to win this game 2-0. Hoffenheim must still be shaking their heads.

Blocked efforts, missed chances when clean through on goal and the woodwork all proved stumbling blocks for Hoffenhiem here, and so it was left to Stuttgart to take the lead in the 25th minute. Christian Gentner's cross into the area just making it over the heads of the defence and into the path of Mario Gomez in the area. Gomes showing Hoffenheim how it's done with excellent control and a cool side foot finish into the bottom right corner.

Stuttgart were down to ten men by the time they grabbed the game killing second on the counter attack. A ball out of defence finding Gomez racing into the right-hand side of the box. The big striker again showing his predatory instincts to cleverly cut back across his marker before firing through the legs of Oliver Baumann.

All Hoffenheim in the remainder of the game, with the visitors hitting the post and having an effort chalked off for offside, but not finding a way through.

Three points here sees Stuttgart stay in eighth spot. Two points adrift of sixth placed.Leipzig, they at least have a chance of grabbing Europa League football on the final day of the season.

Hoffenheim meanwhile must beat Borussia Dortmund at home in their final game of the season if they are to ensure Champions League football next term. At least they still have their destiny in their own hands though.